Villa Sainte-Marcelline: Message from the Mayor of Westmount

(Photo: villa.marcelline.qc.ca)

Villa Sainte-Marcelline is a renowned school in Westmount that has distinguished itself over the years by the values and education it has passed on and continues to provide to thousands of young girls. Like many of you, I am very concerned and saddened by the uncertainty surrounding the future of this institution.

After announcing in October 2022 that the school’s lease would not be renewed the following year, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Marcellina, the owner of the property, finally committed last month to maintain the school’s activities for the next school year (2023-2024).

Many of the school’s parents, some of whom are also alumni, are raising funds and exploring options to save Villa Sainte-Marcelline. Some of them have approached me and other councillors to help them find a long-term solution to keep the school open. I want to emphasize that this is a matter of private interest, but I thought it could be helpful to share some elements from the City’s perspective with you.

Located near St. Joseph’s Oratory and straddling the border between Westmount and the City of Montreal, Villa Sainte-Marcelline has vested rights to operate a school in a zone where only single-family residential buildings are permitted. If the school were to close, this site’s only future permissible use would be for single-family residential buildings. It is important to remember that a change of use, other than educational or single-family residential, would require changes to the City’s bylaws and Planning Programme. This is a significant undertaking and a challenging process that would require public consultation. At this time, the City has not received such a request.

Westmount is very proud to have Villa Sainte-Marcelline on its territory since 1959. It is one of Montreal and Quebec’s most renowned primary and secondary schools. As the only independent French school for girls in our City, it represents an important option for many Westmount residents and neighbouring communities. The City is prepared to work with the parents and the Villa Sainte-Marcelline community to find solutions to keep this vibrant school in our community for many years.

Christina M. Smith
Mayor of Westmount